Imaging apparatus, control method for imaging apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an imaging device, a control method thereof, and a storage medium. The imaging device receives an operation of a user and communicates with an external device. The device controls to transmit a plurality of captured images to a communication device via a communication unit in a predetermined order. During the transmission of the plurality of images in the predetermined order, in accordance with a received instruction to change the transmission order of a first image, the imaging device controls to preferentially transmit the first image, and also controls to cause other imaging devices that are capable of communicating via the communication unit to preferentially transmit images associated with the first image to the communication device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to camera equipment, methods for controlling camera equipment, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, digital cameras capable of displaying and transmitting captured images on-site have become known. However, depending on the communication environment in which the images are transmitted, the communication speed may be slow, and it may take time to complete the image transmission. For example, in a slow communication environment, when multiple captured images are transmitted sequentially, images waiting to be transmitted accumulate. If the number of images waiting to be transmitted has accumulated to a certain level, a new image cannot be transmitted until the transmission of the accumulated images has been completed. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-137725 discloses a technique to solve this problem in which a priority transmission target can be set, and the set priority transmission target is transmitted before the already existing transmission target image.

[0003] Incidentally, for example, in video recording at stadiums, there are cases where multiple cameras simultaneously use a linked video recording function. Even when images captured by multiple cameras using the linked video recording function are sequentially transmitted to a predetermined device via a communication network, images awaiting transmission may accumulate depending on the communication environment. In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-137725, the user must find the same captured image among the various cameras and set that image as the priority transmission target to prioritize the transmission of each image captured by the multiple cameras. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned technology, this disclosure has been made, and one object of this disclosure is to achieve the following technology, in which the transmission of images captured in conjunction with images set as priority transmission targets by other camera devices can be prioritized.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of this disclosure provides a camera device comprising: one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the camera device to function as: an operation unit configured to receive user operations; a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device; and a control unit configured to control the transmission of a plurality of captured images to a communication device via the communication unit in a predetermined order, wherein, during the transmission of the plurality of images in the predetermined order, according to an instruction received by the operation unit for changing the transmission order of a first image, the control unit controls the transmission of the first image preferentially to the communication device, and further controls other camera devices capable of communicating via the communication unit to preferentially transmit images associated with the first image to the communication device.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a control method for a camera device, the camera device including an operating device configured to receive user operations and a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, the control method including: controlling the transmission of a plurality of captured images to the communication device in a predetermined order, wherein, during the transmission of the plurality of images in the predetermined order, control is performed to prioritize the transmission of the first image to the communication device according to an instruction received by the operating device for changing the transmission order of a first image, and further control is performed to cause other camera devices capable of communicating via the communication device to prioritize the transmission of images associated with the first image to the communication device.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium including instructions for a control method of a camera device, the camera device including an operating device configured to receive user operations and a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, the control method including: controlling the transmission of a plurality of captured images to the communication device in a predetermined order, wherein, during the transmission of the plurality of images in the predetermined order, control is performed to preferentially transmit the first image to the communication device according to an instruction received by the operating device for changing the transmission order of a first image, and further control is performed to enable other camera devices capable of communicating via the communication device to preferentially transmit images associated with the first image to the communication device.

[0008] Other features of various embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a digital camera according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera according to a first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an example diagram illustrating a flowchart of the connection process for the linked camera according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is an example diagram illustrating information about a digital camera related to linked video recording according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the shooting event processing according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7A This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transmission event processing according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7B This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the transmission process according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission list according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the shooting event processing according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of image transmission event processing according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of image transmission event processing according to the third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the receiving process in the receiving device according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of each embodiment. Multiple features are described in the embodiments, but it is not a limitation to embodiments requiring all such features, and multiple such features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are given the same or similar configuration, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0023] (First Embodiment)

[0024] <External Configuration of Digital Cameras>

[0025] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An external view of a digital camera is shown as an example of a camera device according to this embodiment. Figure 1A It is a front stereoscopic image of the digital camera 100, and Figure 1B This is a stereoscopic view of the rear of a digital camera 100.

[0026] Display unit 28 is a display unit arranged on the back of digital camera 100, and displays images and various types of information. Touch panel 70a can detect touch operations on the display surface (touch operation surface) of display unit 28. Viewfinder external display unit 43 is a display unit arranged on the top of digital camera 100, and displays various settings of digital camera 100 such as shutter speed or aperture. Shutter button 61 is an operating component for indicating video recording. Mode switch 60 is an operating component for switching between various modes. Terminal cover 40 is a cover for protecting connectors (not shown) with connecting cables, etc., used to connect digital camera 100 to external devices.

[0027] The main electronic dial 71 is a rotary operating component, and can be rotated to change settings such as shutter speed or aperture. The power switch 72 is an operating component used to switch the power of the digital camera 100 on and off. The secondary electronic dial 73 is a rotary operating component, and can be rotated to move the selection box (cursor) or scroll the image. The four-way key 74 is configured to be pressable from the top, bottom, left, and right sides, and can be used to perform operations based on the pressed portion of the four-way key 74. The SET button 75 is a press button, mainly used to confirm selection items, etc.

[0028] The motion image button 76 is used to indicate whether to start or stop motion image shooting (recording). The AE lock button 77 is a press button, and the exposure state can be fixed by pressing the AE lock button 77 in the video standby state. The zoom button 78 is an operation button used to switch the zoom mode on and off in the live view display (LV display) of video mode. The live view image (LV image) can be zoomed in or out by turning on the zoom mode and then operating the main electronic dial 71. In playback mode, the zoom button 78 is used as an operation button to zoom in on the playback image and increase the magnification factor. The playback button 79 is an operation button used to switch between video mode and playback mode. By pressing the playback button 79 in video mode, the playback mode can be switched, and the latest image of the images recorded on the recording medium 200 (described later) is displayed on the display unit 28. The menu button 81 is a press button used to indicate the operation of displaying the menu screen, and when the menu button 81 is pressed, a menu screen on the display unit 28 is displayed, on which various settings can be made. Users can intuitively make various settings using the four-way key 74, the setting button 75, and the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28.

[0029] The touch bar 82 (multi-function bar: M-Fn bar) is a linear touch operation component (line touch sensor) capable of receiving touch operations. The touch bar 82 is positioned such that, while the right hand holds the grip 90 so that the shutter button 61 can be pressed with the right index finger (while the right little finger, ring finger, and middle finger hold the grip), it can also be touched with the right thumb (touchable position). In other words, the touch bar 82 is positioned such that, while the camera is held so that the user can view the viewfinder by bringing their eye close to the eyepiece 16 and pressing the shutter button 61 at any time (shooting posture), the touch bar 82 can be operated. The touch bar 82 is a receiving unit capable of receiving tap operations (operations released when the touch is not moved for a predetermined time period) and left and right sliding operations (operations for touching and then moving the touch position while touching). The touch bar 82 is an operation component different from the touch panel 70a and does not have a display function.

[0030] Communication terminal 10 is a communication terminal for communicating with the lens unit 150 side, wherein the digital camera 100 can be attached to and detached from the lens unit 150 side. Eyepiece 16 is the eyepiece of the eyepiece viewfinder 17 (look-through type viewfinder), and the user can visually perceive the video image displayed on the built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) 29 via eyepiece 16. Eye proximity detection unit 57 is an eye proximity detection sensor for detecting whether the user (the photographer) has brought their eyes close to eyepiece 16. Cover 202 is a cover for a slot in which recording medium 200 (described later) is contained. Grip 90 is a holding part shaped to be easily gripped with the right hand when the user holds the digital camera 100. The shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 are positioned such that, while holding the digital camera 100 with the little, ring, and middle fingers of the right hand holding the grip 90, the shutter button 61 and the main electronic dial 71 can be operated with the index finger of the right hand. Additionally, in the same state, the secondary electronic dial 73 and the touch bar 82 are positioned so that they can be operated with the thumb of the right hand. The thumb rest 91 (thumb standby position) is a grip member located on the rear side of the digital camera 100, in which the thumb of the right hand used to hold the grip 90 is easily positioned when the operating members are not being operated. The thumb rest 91 is made of a rubber component or the like to enhance holding force (grip feel).

[0031] <Example of digital camera function configuration>

[0032] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 This describes an example of the functional configuration of a digital camera 100. Lens unit 150 is a lens unit with interchangeable camera lenses mounted on it. Lens 103 typically uses multiple lenses in a configuration, but for simplicity, ... Figure 2 Only one lens is shown. Communication terminal 6 is used for communication between lens unit 150 and digital camera 100, and communication terminal 10 is used for communication between digital camera 100 and lens unit 150. Lens unit 150 communicates with system control unit 50 via communication terminals 6 and 10. Furthermore, lens unit 150 controls aperture 1 via aperture drive circuit 2 through internal lens system control circuit 4. Additionally, lens unit 150 focuses by shifting the position of lens 103 via AF drive circuit 3 through lens system control circuit 4. Shutter 101 is, for example, a focal plane shutter that allows free control of the exposure time of imaging unit 22 under the control of system control unit 50.

[0033] The camera unit 22 is an imaging element (image sensor) configured to convert optical images into electrical signals, such as a CCD or CMOS device. The camera unit 22 may include an image plane phase sensor for outputting defocus information to the system control unit 50. The A / D converter 23 converts the analog signals output from the camera unit 22 into digital signals.

[0034] The image processing unit 24 performs predetermined processing (pixel interpolation, resizing such as reduction, and color conversion) on data from the A / D converter 23 or the memory control unit 15. Furthermore, the image processing unit 24 performs predetermined calculations using captured image data, and the system control unit 50 performs exposure control or range control based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing unit 24. This enables automatic focus (AF) processing, automatic exposure (AE) processing, and pre-flash (EF) processing using the lens (TTL) method. The image processing unit 24 also performs predetermined calculations using captured image data and performs AWB (automatic white balance) processing using the TTL method based on the obtained calculation results.

[0035] Data output from A / D converter 23 is written to memory 32 via image processing unit 24 and memory control unit 15. Alternatively, data output from A / D converter 23 can be written to memory 32 via memory control unit 15 without passing through image processing unit 24. Memory 32 stores image data acquired by camera unit 22 and converted into digital data by A / D converter 23, and stores image data for display on display unit 28 or EVF 29. Memory 32 has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images or moving images and sound for a predetermined time period.

[0036] Furthermore, memory 32 serves as a memory for image display (video memory). D / A converter 19 converts the data stored in memory 32 for image display into analog signals, and then supplies these analog signals to display unit 28 or EVF 29. Thus, the data written to memory 32 for image display is displayed by display unit 28 or EVF 29 via D / A converter 19. Display unit 28 and EVF 29 are each displays such as LCDs or organic EL displays, and display based on the analog signals from D / A converter 19. Live View (LV) can be achieved by converting the digital signal, which is the result of A / D conversion by A / D converter 23 and is already stored in memory 32, into analog signals in D / A converter 19, and then sequentially transmitting these analog signals to display unit 28 or EVF 29 for display. In the following text, the image displayed in the live view is referred to as a live view image (LV image).

[0037] The system control unit 50 is a control unit including at least one processor and / or at least one circuit, and provides overall control of the digital camera 100. The system control unit 50 executes programs recorded in the non-volatile memory 56 to implement the various processes of this embodiment, which will be described later. The system control unit 50 also performs display control by controlling the memory 32, the D / A converter 19, the display unit 28, and the EVF 29, etc.

[0038] The system memory 52 is, for example, RAM, and the system control unit 50 loads constants, variables, and programs read from the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 for the operation of the system control unit 50.

[0039] For example, the non-volatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable recordable memory such as an EEPROM. In the non-volatile memory 56, constants and programs for the operation of the system control unit 50 are recorded. The programs mentioned here are programs for executing the various flowcharts described later in this embodiment.

[0040] System Timer 53 is a time measurement unit used to measure the time used in various types of control or to measure the time of an internal clock.

[0041] The communication unit 54 transmits and receives video and audio signals from external devices that are wirelessly or wired connected. The communication unit 54 can also connect to a wireless local area network (LAN) or the Internet. The communication unit 54 can also communicate via Bluetooth. Alternatively, it can communicate with external devices via Bluetooth Low Energy. The communication unit 54 can transmit images captured by the camera unit 22 (including LV images) or images recorded on the recording medium 200, and can receive image data and various other types of information from external devices.

[0042] The posture detection unit 55 detects the posture of the digital camera 100 relative to gravity. Based on the posture detected by the posture detection unit 55, it can be determined whether the image captured by the imaging unit 22 was captured when the digital camera 100 was held horizontally or vertically. The system control unit 50 can add the direction information of the posture detected by the posture detection unit 55 to the image file of the image captured by the imaging unit 22, and can rotate the image and then record it. An accelerometer or gyroscope sensor can be used as the posture detection unit 55. The movement of the digital camera 100 (whether the digital camera 100 is panning, tilting, rising, or stationary, etc.) can also be detected by using an accelerometer or gyroscope sensor as the posture detection unit 55.

[0043] The eye proximity detection unit 57 is an eye proximity detection sensor that detects (proximity detection) the proximity (eye approach) and separation (eye separation) of the eye (object) relative to the eyepiece portion 16 of the viewfinder 17 (hereinafter simply referred to as "viewfinder"). The system control unit 50 switches the display unit 28 and EVF 29 between display (display state) and non-display (non-display state) based on the state detected by the eye proximity detection unit 57. More specifically, when the camera is at least in video standby mode and the destination display switching setting is automatically switched, when the user's eye is not near, the display unit 28 is turned on to display the destination, and the EVF 29 is not displayed. Furthermore, when the user's eye is near, the EVF 29 is turned on to display the destination, and the display unit 28 is not displayed. For example, an infrared proximity sensor can be used as the eye proximity detection unit 57, and it can detect the proximity of any object to the eyepiece portion 16 of the viewfinder 17, which has the EVF 29 built-in. When an object approaches, infrared light projected from the light projection unit (not shown) of the eye proximity detection unit 57 is reflected by the object and received by the light receiving unit (not shown) of the infrared proximity sensor. Based on the amount of infrared light received, the distance at which the object has approached the eyepiece 16 (eye proximity distance) can be determined. As described above, the eye proximity detection unit 57 performs eye proximity detection to determine the approach distance of the object to the eyepiece 16. Based on the user's eye not being near (not nearing state), if an object is detected to be within a predetermined distance of the eyepiece 16, it is assumed that eye proximity has been detected. Based on the user's eye being near (nearing state), if the detected nearing object moves away beyond a predetermined distance, it is assumed that eye separation has been detected. The threshold for detecting eye proximity and the threshold for detecting eye separation can be different, for example, by providing hysteresis. Furthermore, after eye proximity is detected, until eye separation is detected, it is assumed that the user's eye is near. After eye separation is detected, until eye proximity is detected, it is assumed that the user's eye is not near. Note that the infrared proximity sensor is just one example, and it can be configured to use other sensors as eye proximity detection unit 57, as long as the other sensors can detect a state that can be considered as eye proximity.

[0044] Various camera settings, such as shutter speed or aperture, are displayed on the external viewfinder display unit 43 via the external viewfinder display unit drive circuit 44.

[0045] The power control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switching circuit for switching which blocks are to be powered. The power control unit 80 detects whether a battery is attached, the battery type, and the remaining charge. Furthermore, based on the detection results and instructions from the system control unit 50, the power control unit 80 controls the DC-DC converter and supplies the required voltage to each unit, including the recording medium 200, during the required time periods. The power supply unit 30 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery; a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery; and an AC adapter.

[0046] Recording medium I / F 18 is an interface with recording medium 200, such as a memory card or hard disk. Recording medium 200 is a recording medium, such as a memory card, used to record captured images, and is configured using semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

[0047] The operation unit 70 is an input unit for receiving operations (user instructions) from the user and for inputting various operation instructions to the system control unit 50. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the operation unit 70 includes a shutter button 61, a mode switch 60, a power switch 72, a touch panel 70a, and other operation components 70b. Among the other operation components 70b are a main electronic dial 71, a secondary electronic dial 73, a four-way key 74, a settings button 75, a motion image button 76, an AE lock button 77, a zoom button 78, a playback button 79, a menu button 81, and a touch bar 82.

[0048] The shutter button 61 includes a first shutter switch 62 and a second shutter switch 64. The first shutter switch 62 is activated by a so-called half-press (video preparation indication) when the shutter button 61 is operated, and a first shutter switch signal SW1 is generated. The system control unit 50 initiates video preparation operations such as autofocus (AF) processing, auto exposure (AE) processing, auto white balance (AWB) processing, and pre-flash (EF) processing via the first shutter switch signal SW1.

[0049] When the shutter button 61 is fully operated, i.e., fully pressed (video recording indication), the second shutter switch 64 is turned on, and a second shutter switch signal SW2 is generated. Based on the second shutter switch signal SW2, the system control unit 50 begins a series of video processing operations from reading signals from the imaging unit 22 to writing the captured image as an image file to the recording medium 200.

[0050] The mode switch 60 switches the operating mode of the system control unit 50 to any one of the following modes: still image shooting mode, moving image shooting mode, and playback mode. Automatic video recording mode, automatic scene detection mode, manual mode, aperture priority mode (Av mode), shutter speed priority mode (Tv mode), and program AE mode (P mode) are included as modes in the still image shooting mode. In addition, various scene modes and custom modes exist as video settings for additional video scenes. The mode switch 60 allows the user to directly switch to any of these modes. Alternatively, it can be configured such that after temporarily switching to the video mode list screen via the mode switch 60, the mode can be selectively switched to any one of the multiple displayed modes using other operating components. Similarly, the moving image shooting mode may include multiple modes.

[0051] Touch panel 70a is a touch sensor used to detect various types of touch operations on the display surface (operation surface of touch panel 70a) of display unit 28. Touch panel 70a and display unit 28 can be configured as a single unit. For example, touch panel 70a is configured such that light transmittance does not interfere with the display of display unit 28, and touch panel 70a is attached to the upper layer of the display surface of display unit 28. Furthermore, input coordinates on touch panel 70a are associated with display coordinates on the display surface of display unit 28. Therefore, a graphical user interface (GUI) can be provided that allows users to directly operate the screen displayed on display unit 28.

[0052] <Network Configuration Example>

[0053] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 This section describes a network configuration example according to this embodiment. Figure 3 In this context, the receiving device 300 is an example of a communication device, such as a server, used to accumulate received image data. For example, the receiving device 300 may be configured to include at least: a communication unit capable of transmitting and receiving data via the Internet, a wired LAN, or a wireless LAN; a recording medium including a non-volatile semiconductor memory or a hard disk; a processor; and a memory. In the case where multiple digital cameras 100 communicate via communication path 301 to perform (described later) synchronized video recording, each digital camera 100 transmits captured images to the receiving device 300 via communication path 301. The receiving device 300 receives the images transmitted from each digital camera 100 through the communication unit, and stores the received images in the recording medium.

[0054] Communication path 301 can be any communication path configured wirelessly or via wired cable, and multiple digital cameras 100 and receiving device 300 can transmit and receive data. Note that in the description of this embodiment, a configuration for notifying other digital cameras 100 of operations performed by any digital camera 100 is shown as an example, and it is assumed that all digital cameras 100 perform the same processing. Configurations can be adopted such that a portion of the processing can be omitted, as long as the operation performed by a particular digital camera 100 is indicated to other digital cameras 100.

[0055] <Operations for Linked Camera Connection Processing>

[0056] In this embodiment, the digital camera 100 is communicatively connected to other digital cameras and can perform synchronized video recording. Referring below... Figure 4 The operation of the connection processing for linked video recording according to this embodiment is described. The digital camera used to perform this processing is described as reference numeral 100a, and other digital cameras are described as reference numeral 100b, to distinguish between the digital camera used to perform this processing and other digital cameras. Note that a configuration can be adopted such that the other digital cameras 100b are multiple digital cameras communicatively connected. Furthermore, Figure 4 The processing is performed not only in digital camera 100a, but also in other digital cameras. The program stored in non-volatile memory 56 is loaded into system memory 52 by system control unit 50 and then executed, thus implementing the process in digital camera 100a. Figure 4 The various processes in the flowchart.

[0057] In step S400-1, the system control unit 50 initializes the information of the digital camera to be considered as the target for linked video recording stored in the system memory 52. ​​In step S400-2, the system control unit 50 determines whether the user has issued an instruction to start linked video recording through the operating unit 70. If an instruction to start linked video recording has been issued, the process continues from step S401. In step S401, the system control unit 50 transmits a linked video recording start message indicating that the digital camera 100a will start linked video recording to the other digital camera 100b via the communication unit 54. The system control unit 50 transmits the start message for starting linked video recording. The start message includes the identification information (nickname or IP address) of the digital camera 100a, which is the source of the start message transmission, a release count indicating the number of images taken before the start of linked video recording, and the current time.

[0058] In step S402, the system control unit 50 waits to receive a message for synchronized video recording transmitted from the other digital camera 100b. When the system control unit 50 receives the message for synchronized video recording, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the system control unit 50 determines whether the message received in step S402 is a message for starting synchronized video recording. If the received message is a start message (yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S404; otherwise (no), the process proceeds to step S406. Having completed the processing of step S401 in the other digital camera, the digital camera 100a finally receives the start message.

[0059] In step S404, the system control unit 50 responds to the start message by transmitting a permission message indicating that the linked video recording is permitted to other digital cameras 100b, which are the transmission sources of the start message received in step S402. For example, the identification information (nickname or IP address) of the digital camera 100a, which is the transmission source of the permission message, is included in the permission message for permitting the linked video recording, and then the message is transmitted. Furthermore, the permission message includes a release count indicating the number of images taken by the digital camera 100a before the start of the linked video recording, the current time, and an index indicating the order in which the cameras joined the linked video recording. The permission message also includes an index of the digital camera 100b to be added to, which is the transmission source of the start message.

[0060] In step S405, the system control unit 50 stores the message received in step S402, which is information from the digital camera 100b and is used to start linked video recording, as linked video recording information of the digital camera 100b in the system memory 52. ​​The digital camera 100a will then use the information from the digital camera 100b to perform linked video recording. Note that the data of the digital camera 100a is recorded even before it has been recorded as linked video recording information 510.

[0061] Figure 5 An example of linkage shooting information 510 of a digital camera to be used for linkage shooting, stored in system memory 52, is shown. Figure 5In the diagram, each row represents the corresponding digital camera to be used for linked video recording, and each column represents information about the digital camera. Reference numeral 500 indicates an index used to indicate the order in which cameras join the linked video recording. Reference numeral 501 indicates the nickname of the digital camera that is the source of the transmission of the message for starting linked video recording (received in step S402). Reference numeral 502 indicates the IP address of the digital camera that is the source of the received message for starting linked video recording. Reference numeral 503 indicates a release count indicating the number of images captured by the digital camera when the linked video recording start message is received. The system control unit 50 can calculate the number of images captured in linked video recording with each camera based on the difference between the release count 503 and the latest release count. For example, if the latest release count is 10421, it can be understood that the camera with index 500 "1" has captured 34 images through linked video recording. Furthermore, it can be understood that the camera with index 500 as "3" has captured 19 images through linked video recording, and the camera with index 500 as "4" has captured 1 image through linked video recording.

[0062] Reference numeral 504 indicates the time point at which the digital camera (in step S402) receives the message for initiating synchronized video recording. Reference numerals 505 and 506 indicate the information included in the message for initiating synchronized video recording (received in step S402). Reference numeral 505 indicates a release count representing the number of images captured before the digital camera, acting as the transmission source, begins synchronized video recording. Reference numeral 506 indicates the time at which the digital camera, acting as the transmission source, begins synchronized video recording.

[0063] Reference numeral 507 indicates data used to indicate the initial start of linked video recording by a digital camera. Information included in the permission message for linked video recording received in step S407 is stored in data 507. This information includes index 500, nickname 501, IP address 502, release count 505, time 506, and release count 503 and time 504 at the time the message was received.

[0064] Reference numeral 508 indicates that it is used to indicate holding Figure 5 The information shown is data from the digital camera 100. The index 500 "2", nickname 501, IP address 502, release count 503 and time 504 received from the digital camera 100 since the beginning of the linkage shooting are stored in data 508.

[0065] Reference numeral 509 indicates that it is used to indicate the use of holding Figure 5The digital camera 100 that displays the information shown starts recording data after the digital camera 100 begins recording. The index 500 added in step S404 is stored in data 509. The nickname 501, IP address 502, release count 505, time 506, and release count 503 and time 504 at the time the message was received, which are included in the message for starting recording received in step S402, are stored in data 509.

[0066] In step S406, the system control unit 50 determines whether the message received in step S402 is a message for authorizing linkage photography. If the received message is determined to be an authorization message (yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S407; otherwise (no), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S408. In step S407, the system control unit 50 records information about the digital camera 100b, which is the source of the authorization message, as the target of linkage photography and as the digital camera to be used for linkage photography, in the system memory 52 (507). Furthermore, the data (508) of the digital camera 100a that has obtained authorization for linkage photography is stored in the system memory 52 as linkage photography information 510. Note that if the data of the digital camera 100a has already been recorded as linkage photography information 510, the data of the digital camera 100a is not recorded.

[0067] In step S408, the system control unit 50 determines whether the message received in step S402 is a message for canceling the linked camera. If the received message is determined to be a cancellation message (yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S409; otherwise (no), the process proceeds to step S410.

[0068] In step S409, the system control unit 50 deletes the data of the digital camera 100b, which served as the transmission source for the message used to cancel the linkage camera, from the linkage camera information 510 in the system memory 52. ​​In step S410, the system control unit 50 stores the message in the system memory 52 as a remote control event, such as an instruction to perform linkage camera operation or an instruction to prioritize image transmission.

[0069] In step S411, the system control unit 50 determines whether the linked camera recording has ended. If it is determined (e.g., by user instruction, etc.) that the linked camera recording has ended (Yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds to step S412; otherwise (No), the system control unit 50 returns to step S402. In step S412, the system control unit 50 transmits a cancellation message for canceling the linked camera recording to the other digital camera 100b, initializes the linked camera recording information, and then terminates the connection for the linked camera recording.

[0070] Operations for handling shooting events in coordinated camera setups>

[0071] In the following text, see references Figure 6 This describes the operation of handling shooting events for linked cameras according to this embodiment. Note that this is achieved by loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 through the system control unit 50 and then executing the program. Figure 6 The flowcharts shown illustrate the various processes. Note that the events described below include, for example, events based on user instructions for operation and events based on receiving linkage messages from other digital cameras 100. Note that because the system control unit 50 continuously monitors events, the processing continuing from step S601 is ultimately executed immediately upon receiving a user instruction or message.

[0072] In addition, regarding Figure 6 The description uses reference numeral 100a to describe the digital camera used to perform this process, and reference numeral 100b to describe other digital cameras, in order to distinguish between the digital camera used to perform this process and other digital cameras. Note that... Figure 6 The flowchart is executed not only in digital camera 100a, but also in other digital cameras.

[0073] In step S600, the system control unit 50 obtains the event stored in the system memory 52. ​​In step S601, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event obtained in step S600 occurred during the detection of the release switch (SW2). Figure 2 The event of an operation for camera instruction to capture an image is added when the reference numeral 64 in the attached figure is pressed. If it is determined that the event is an operation for camera instruction to capture an image (yes), the system control unit 50 causes the process to proceed to step S602; otherwise (no), the system control unit 50 causes the process to proceed to step S605.

[0074] In step S602, the system control unit 50 transmits an instruction to perform linked video recording as a message from digital camera 100a to other digital cameras 100b. This message is sent to communication path 301 via communication unit 54 of digital camera 100a. The system control unit 50 may include the following information as the message instructing the performance of linked video recording: for example, the message may include the nickname or IP address of the digital camera 100a that is the source of the message, the current release count, the current time, the UUID that uniquely identifies the object, the filename, and the sequence number that uniquely identifies the message.

[0075] In step S603, the system control unit 50 captures and stores an image. The system control unit 50 stores a portion of a message used to instruct the execution of a linked camera recording. Figure 5 The differences between the information shown are used as supplementary information for the image. In step S604, the system control unit 50 adds a transmission instruction for the image captured in step S603 as a transmission event to the digital camera 100a.

[0076] In step S605, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event obtained in step S600 is an event indicating that an instruction to perform a linked video recording has been received from another digital camera 100b. If the event is an event indicating that an instruction to perform a linked video recording has been received (yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S606; otherwise, the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S608.

[0077] In step S606, the system control unit 50 captures and stores an image. The system control unit 50 stores the current release count, the current time, a portion of the instruction message for executing the linked camera, and... Figure 5 The difference in information, UUID, or filename, etc., shown are used as supplementary information for the image. In step S607, the system control unit 50 adds the transmission instruction for the image captured in step S606 as a transmission event to the digital camera 100a. As described above, when the camera instruction is from the user of the digital camera 100a, or when the linked camera instruction is from another digital camera 100b, an instruction for transmitting the captured image is added to the digital camera 100a as a transmission event. Note that the transmission instruction (transmission event) is an instruction to transmit the image as the transmission target to the receiving device 300. The transmission instruction (transmission event) includes information (such as file path) for specifying the image as the transmission target. It can be configured to include not only the information for specifying the image, but also information to be recorded in the transmission list later.

[0078] In step S608, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event obtained in step S600 is an event indicating the end of processing. If the event is determined to be an event indicating the end of processing (yes), the system control unit 50 ends the camera recording process; otherwise (no), the process returns to step S600. If the event is not an event indicating the end of processing in step S608 (no), the process returns to step S600.

[0079] <Image transfer event handling operations>

[0080] In the following text, see references Figure 7A This describes the operation of image transmission event processing according to this embodiment. Note that the various processes in this flowchart are implemented by loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and then executing the program by the system control unit 50. Note that since the system control unit 50 continuously monitors events, the processing continuing from step S701 is ultimately executed immediately based on user instructions or message reception. Note that... Figure 7A The processing is performed by multiple digital cameras that are connected to each other in a communicative manner.

[0081] In step S700, the system control unit 50 obtains the transmission event stored in the system memory 52. ​​In step S701, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event obtained in step S700 is a transmission event, wherein in response to the transmission event, an image is added to the transmission list.

[0082] In step S701, if the acquired event is a transmission event (in which an image is added to the transmission list in response to the transmission event) (Yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S702; otherwise (No), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S704. The transmission event in which the image is added to the transmission list is the transmission event added in step S604 or step S607. That is, the processing in step S702 is ultimately executed based on the capture of the image being performed (S603, S606).

[0083] In step S702, the system control unit 50 adds the image indicated as the transmission target in the transmission event to the transmission list. When the indicated image is added to the transmission list, the images are transmitted to the receiving device 300 in the order described in the transmission list (i.e., in a predetermined order). In this embodiment, since the transmission event for captured images is added during recording, and then the captured images are added to the transmission list, the transmission order of the images is the same as the image capture order.

[0084] refer to Figure 8An example of a transmission list stored in system memory 52 is described. Information about the image to be transmitted is registered in the transmission list. For the image to be transmitted, information from reference numerals 800 to 811 is registered in the transmission list.

[0085] Reference numeral 800 indicates the filename when the system control unit 50 stores data in the recording medium 200, etc. Nickname 801 is the nickname of the digital camera that has been given video recording instructions. Figure 8 The diagram shows a transmission list from a digital camera with the nickname "LocalCamera". When reference numeral 801 is "LocalCamera", it indicates that the image was acquired via local recording while recording instructions were being given on the digital camera. When reference numeral 801 is not "LocalCamera", it indicates that the image is a linked-shot image, and the nickname of the digital camera, which served as the transmission source for executing the linked-shot instruction, is registered. Reference numeral 802 represents the IP address; the IP address of the digital camera is recorded in the case of a locally captured image, and the IP address of the digital camera, which served as the transmission source for executing the linked-shot instruction, is also recorded in the case of a linked-shot image. Reference numeral 803 represents the release count of the digital camera when the image was captured. Reference numeral 804 represents the recording time when the image was captured by the digital camera. Reference numeral 805 represents the information recorded in the case of linked-shot recording, and the release count during local recording performed by the digital camera, which served as the transmission source for executing the linked-shot instruction, and which was recording in conjunction with the image as the transmission target. Reference numeral 806 indicates the information recorded in the case of linked photography, and the recording time in local photography performed by a digital camera that performs photography in conjunction with the image as the transmission target, serving as an instruction for performing linked photography.

[0086] Reference numeral 807 indicates the difference between release count 805 and the release count at the time of instructing synchronized shooting, where release count 805 represents the number of images captured before the digital camera, acting as the transmission source for instructing synchronized shooting, begins synchronized shooting. Reference numeral 808 indicates the difference between the time 806 when the digital camera, acting as the transmission source for instructing synchronized shooting, begins synchronized shooting and the time at which synchronized shooting is instructing. Reference numeral 809 indicates the filename of the image captured by the digital camera, acting as the transmission source for instructing synchronized shooting. Reference numeral 810 indicates the UUID of the object that can uniquely identify the image captured by the digital camera, acting as the transmission source for instructing synchronized shooting. Reference numeral 811 indicates the sequence number added to the message by the digital camera, acting as the transmission source for instructing synchronized shooting.

[0087] Reference numeral 820 is an image obtained by performing a linked camera operation in step S606 by receiving a message from another digital camera (Camera C) instructing the user to perform a linked camera operation. For example, release count 805, time 806, release count difference 807, time difference 808, filename 809, UUID 810, and message sequence number 811 are recorded in the information of this image. Reference numeral 821 is an image captured locally in step S603 based on a camera operation instruction from the user to the digital camera. For example, release count 805, time 806, release count difference 807, time difference 808, and filename 809 are recorded in the information of this image. Reference numeral 822 is an image obtained in step S606 by performing a linked camera operation in step S606 by receiving a message from another digital camera (Camera A) instructing the user to perform a linked camera operation, similar to image 820.

[0088] exist Figure 8 In the example of the transmission list shown, the information of reference numerals 800 to 811 is maintained in the transmission list so that it can be obtained without referring to the captured image. However, it is possible to configure the information of reference numerals 800 to 811 to be appended to the image, and only information specific to the image is maintained in the transmission list.

[0089] Refer again Figure 7AIn step S704, the system control unit 50 determines whether the transmission event obtained in step S700 is a transmission event indicating an instruction to edit the transmission list. A transmission event indicating an instruction to edit the transmission list is a transmission event used when an image is selected from the transmission list and an instruction to move the image to the head of the transmission list is given, or when an image not in the transmission list is selected and an instruction to add the image to the head of the transmission list is given. An instruction to edit the transmission list is, for example, a user instruction on a screen already displayed by the system control unit 50 on the display unit 28 to assign a specific image to be transmitted first. Information for a transmission event indicating an instruction to edit the transmission list includes information such as the filename of the image to be specified as the priority transmission target. If the event obtained in step S700 is determined to be a transmission event indicating an instruction to edit the transmission list (yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S705; otherwise (no), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S707. Note that the instruction for editing the transfer list is ultimately performed in parallel with the image transfer to the receiving device 300 because the item already exists in the transfer list. Therefore, while the image is being transferred to the receiving device 300, the instructions for the user to edit the transfer list and steps S704 to S709 are executed. Furthermore, if the transfer information has already been registered in the transfer list, steps S701 and S702 are also executed while the image is being transferred to the receiving device 300.

[0090] In step S705, the system control unit 50 registers the image assigned priority for transmission by the edit instruction at the head of the transmission list. If an image is already registered in the transmission list, the image data is moved to the head of the transmission list; if an image is not in the transmission list, the image information is registered by adding it to the head of the transmission list. For example, when making a decision... Figure 8 When image 821 is indicated as the priority transmission target, the system control unit 50 moves the data of image 821 before the data of image 820 in the transmission list, thereby prioritizing the transmission of image 821 to the receiving device 300.

[0091] In this embodiment, in the case of a transmission event indicating an instruction for editing the transmission list, the digital camera 100a transmits a priority transmission instruction (also simply called a priority instruction). Specifically, the digital camera 100a is controlled such that images captured in conjunction with the priority transmission target image are also transmitted preferentially to other digital cameras, wherein the editing instruction has already indicated priority transmission for the priority transmission target image. Therefore, in step S706, the system control unit 50 transmits the priority transmission instruction as a message (also called an interrupt message) to the other digital cameras via the editing instruction, wherein the other digital cameras have already captured images in conjunction with the image designated as the priority transmission target. In the case of joint imaging with multiple digital cameras, a message indicating a priority transmission instruction is transmitted to multiple cameras. Based on the information of the priority transmission target image and the joint imaging information 510 recorded in the system memory 52, it is possible to determine other digital cameras that have already captured images in conjunction with the priority transmission target image. It is possible to configure the system such that the priority transmission instruction message is transmitted to the digital cameras registered in the joint imaging information 510 without needing to determine the digital cameras that captured images in conjunction with the priority transmission target image. A priority transmission indication message is sent to communication path 301 via communication unit 54. System control unit 50 includes the following information recorded in the transmission list as linked image specification information in the message used to make the priority transmission target indication, to specify an image to be captured in conjunction with the image assigned as the priority transmission target. The transmission list includes camera nickname 801, IP address 802, release count during recording 803, recording time 804, and release count 805 of the digital camera that is the transmission source for the linked recording. It can be configured such that the linked image specification information also includes the time 806, release count difference 807, time difference 808, file name 809, UUID 810, message sequence number 811, and IP address 802 of the digital camera indicating the destination of the message used to indicate the priority transmission target, etc.

[0092] In step S707, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event obtained in step S700 is an event indicating that a priority transmission instruction has been received. Note that, as a result of the processing performed by another digital camera in step S706, the priority transmission instruction message is ultimately received by this digital camera. If the event is an event indicating that a priority transmission instruction has been received (yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the processing to step S708; otherwise (no), the system control unit 50 proceeds the processing to step S710.

[0093] In step S708, the system control unit 50 uses the linked image specification information included in the priority transmission instruction message to search for an image to be prioritized for transmission. The system control unit 50 compares the linked image specification information included in the priority transmission instruction message with the information in the transmission list and searches for an image with matching information. If no image with matching information is found in the transmission list, the system control unit 50 compares the information of the image stored in the recording medium 200, etc., with the information included in the priority transmission instruction message and searches for an image with matching information. For example, an image whose nickname 801 and release count 805 match in the linked image specification information and the transmission list can be determined as an image to be prioritized for transmission. If the release count 805 of the local camera is not recorded in the linked image specification information or the transmission list, the local release count 803 can be used instead of the release count 805 to make the priority transmission target determination. The determination method is not limited to this, and it is possible to configure other determination methods to specify images captured in conjunction with images prioritized for transmission by other digital cameras in the linked image specification information and the transmission list.

[0094] In step S709, the system control unit 50 moves the transmission information (reference numerals 800 to 811) of the image detected in the transmission list in step S708 to the head of the transmission list. If no linked-capture image is found in the transmission list in step S708, the image that cannot be detected in the transmission list is added to the head of the transmission list. Figure 8 In the example, when a priority delivery target has already been indicated for image 822, the system control unit 50 moves image 822 in front of image 820.

[0095] In step S710, the system control unit 50 determines whether the event obtained in step S700 is an event indicating the end of processing. If it is determined that the obtained event is an event indicating the end of processing (yes), the system control unit 50 ends the image transmission process; otherwise (no), the system control unit 50 returns the process to step S700.

[0096] In this way, according to Figure 7A The process involves generating and modifying the delivery list through delivery event handling.

[0097] Image transmission and processing

[0098] In the following text, see references Figure 7B The image transfer processing according to this embodiment is described. Note that the various processes in this flowchart are implemented by loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 through the system control unit 50 and then executing the program. Note that... Figure 7B The processing is performed by multiple digital cameras that are connected to each other in a communicative manner.

[0099] In the digital camera 100, the system control unit 50 monitors the transmission list maintained in the system memory 52 and automatically transmits the target image according to the transmission list.

[0100] In step S711, the system control unit 50 determines whether the transmission information is registered in the transmission list. If it determines that the transmission information has been registered (yes), the system control unit 50 proceeds the process to step S712; otherwise (no), the system control unit 50 repeats the process of step S711. It is possible to configure the process to begin based on transmission information already registered in the transmission list. Figure 7B The processing can be completed without repeating step S711.

[0101] In step S712, the system control unit 50 transmits the image as the transmission target to the receiving device 300 via the communication unit 54. At this time, the system control unit 50 reads the target image from the recording medium 200 based on the transmission information recorded at the header of the transmission list and transmits the target image to the receiving device 300. When the image transmission in step S712 is complete, in step S713, the system control unit 50 deletes the image transmitted in step S712 from the transmission list (i.e., the system control unit 50 updates the transmission list). Figure 8 In the example shown, the system control unit 50 removes the information of image 820 transmitted in step S712 from the transmission list based on the transmission of image 820 in step S712. Since the information of image 820 has been removed, the information of image 821 becomes the header of the transmission list.

[0102] As described above, in this disclosure, multiple digital cameras perform synchronized video recording, and the captured images are transmitted from the multiple digital cameras to the receiving device 300. In the first embodiment, the digital cameras typically transmit images in the order in which they were captured, as described in the transmission list. However, the digital cameras can receive editing instructions (change instructions) from the user on the operation unit to change the transmission order of the images, and the digital cameras change the transmission order of the images according to the editing instructions. When the transmission order of the images is changed, not only is the transmission order in the device itself changed, but the transmission order of images captured by other digital cameras is also changed in conjunction with the images for which the editing instructions for changing the transmission order have been given.

[0103] Note that in cases where there are digital cameras that do not require the transmission of some or all of the images captured by the digital camera, configuration can be adopted to set whether captured images are transmitted and whether the images are prioritized for transmission in conjunction with other digital cameras. For example, suppose multiple digital cameras are deployed in a sports match, one camera is deployed to capture images in front of Team A's goal, and another camera is deployed to capture images in front of Team B's goal. Configuration can be adopted such that in a scene with linked camera targets, such as the scene in front of a goal in a football match, images captured in front of the goal on the side where the scene is not present are not transmitted as linked captured images, or their transmission is not prioritized. Furthermore, this is not limited to a specific scene, and depending on the application, in the recording of a specific date, the configuration may be such that images captured by a certain digital camera are not transmitted or that the transmission of that image is not prioritized. For this purpose, for example, the system control unit 50 may maintain a setting (or dynamically obtain it from an external device) regarding whether to transmit captured images or whether captured images are prioritized for transmission. Configuration can be adopted such that when it is specified that no captured image transmission is performed (no image transmission), the system control unit 50 does not transmit image transmission instructions to some other digital cameras. Furthermore, the configuration can be such that the system control unit 50 does not transmit priority transmission instructions to some other digital cameras based on whether the image is a priority transmission target associated with other digital cameras. If the captured image is not transmitted, the system control unit 50 can skip steps S604 and S607, and if priority transmission target linkage is not performed, it can skip step S709.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, on the screen displayed on the display unit 28, the system control unit 50 transmits a priority transmission instruction to other digital cameras based on an editing instruction received from the user selecting a specific image from the transmission list. That is, a priority transmission instruction is given so that the image selected by the user from the already captured images is set as the priority transmission target. However, it can be configured to allow a priority transmission instruction to be given so that images captured at a predetermined time or during a predetermined period are set as the priority transmission target. For example, the system control unit 50 can receive a setting that sets the next captured image or subsequent captured image as the target of the priority transmission instruction. It can be configured such that, in the case of such a setting, the system control unit 50 transmits a priority transmission instruction targeting the captured image to other digital cameras based on a camera operation (camera operation for capturing the image specified in the operation unit) made on the release button. In this way, images to be captured subsequently, as well as images to be captured in conjunction with these images, can be transmitted to the receiving device 300 with priority.

[0105] (Second Embodiment)

[0106] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a configuration will be described that instructs other digital cameras to perform operations already performed on a particular digital camera. In this embodiment, for example, when a particular digital camera gives an instruction to prioritize the transmission of a target, the transmission of images captured simultaneously with the image set as the priority transmission target is also prioritized in other digital cameras. In the digital camera according to this embodiment, although some shooting event processing and some transmission event processing differ from the shooting event processing and transmission event processing of the first embodiment, other processing and configurations of the digital camera are the same or substantially the same as those of the digital camera in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same or substantially the same configurations and processing are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted; the differences are mainly described.

[0107] In the following text, refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B Operations for handling shooting events in a linked camera system according to a second embodiment are described. Note that in this embodiment, a specific digital camera is described by reference numeral 100c, and other digital cameras are described by reference numeral 100d to distinguish the specific digital camera from other digital cameras. There may be multiple other digital cameras 100d. Figure 9A The operation of a specific digital camera 100c, which instructs other digital cameras 100d to perform linked video recording, is shown. Meanwhile, Figure 9B The operation of another digital camera 100d receiving instructions for performing linked video recording from a particular digital camera 100c is shown.

[0108] Note that the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 is loaded into the system memory 52 by the system control unit 50 of the specific digital camera 100c, and then the program is executed to achieve this. Figure 9A The various processes shown. Figure 9A The operations of steps S600 to S604 and step S608 shown are related to... Figure 6 The described process is similar to that described. Note that the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 is loaded into the system memory 52 by the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100d and then executed to achieve this. Figure 9B The various processes shown. Figure 9B The operations shown in steps S600 and S605 to S608 are related to the operations for... Figure 6 The described process is similar to that of the previous process. Note that because the system control unit 50 of the specific digital camera 100c and digital camera 100d continuously monitors events, the process after step S601 or after step S605 is ultimately executed immediately upon receiving a user instruction or message.

[0109] Used for execution Figure 9A The specific digital camera 100c shown in the processing does not require interaction with... Figure 6 The determination process corresponding to step S605 is shown. Therefore, if the event in step S601 is not an event indicating a camera operation (No), the system control unit 50 advances the process to step S608. In order to execute... Figure 9B In the digital camera 100d shown, since the system control unit 50 does not need to perform operations with... Figure 6 The judgment process corresponding to step S601 shown causes the system control unit 50 to proceed from step S600 to step S605. Through these processes, shooting event processing is performed in each of the specific digital camera 100c and the other digital cameras 100d.

[0110] In the following text, refer to Figure 10A and Figure 10B The operation of the transmission event handling according to the second embodiment is described. Figure 10A This is the processing for a specific digital camera 100c used to transmit priority transmission instructions to other digital cameras. Furthermore, Figure 10B This is the processing used by other digital cameras 100d to receive priority transmission instructions from a specific digital camera 100c. Note that this is achieved by the system control unit 50 of the specific digital camera 100c loading the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and executing the program. Figure 10A The various processes are shown. Furthermore, the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100d loads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and then executes the program to achieve this. Figure 10B The various processes are shown. Note that... Figure 10A and Figure 10B The operations shown in steps S700 to S702, S704 to S706, S707 to S709, and S710 are related to... Figure 7A The corresponding processing described is similar to that described. Furthermore, the specific digital camera 100c and other digital cameras 100d each perform the above-described processing. Figure 7B Image transmission processing is performed in the system. The system control unit 50 of each digital camera loads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and then executes the program to realize the processing of transmitting each image.

[0111] exist Figure 10A In the operation shown, since the digital camera 100c is a digital camera used to transmit priority transmission instructions, no further action is taken. Figure 7AThe determination in step S707 shown (the determination related to whether a priority transmission instruction has been received as a message). Therefore, if the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100c determines that a transmission event indicating an editing instruction for the transmission list has not been received in step S704 (No), the process proceeds to step S710. On the other hand, in Figure 10B In this process, the digital camera 100d does not perform the determination in step S704, that is, whether the event is a transmission event used to indicate an instruction for editing the transmission list. If the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100d determines in step S701 that the transmission event is not an event used to add an image to the transmission list (No), the process proceeds to step S707.

[0112] As described above, in the second embodiment, multiple digital cameras can be used for coordinated video recording, and the individual images captured from the multiple digital cameras can be transmitted to the receiving device 300. The individual digital cameras typically transmit images in the order in which they were captured, as described in the transmission list. In this case, in the second embodiment, an editing instruction (change instruction) for changing the transmission order of images is received in a specific digital camera, and the transmission order of the images is changed according to the editing instruction. When the specific digital camera transmits a priority transmission instruction, other digital cameras can prioritize transmitting images captured simultaneously with images for which the editing instruction for changing the transmission order has already been given. In this embodiment, the roles of the specific digital camera and other digital cameras can be distinguished to improve processing efficiency.

[0113] (Third Embodiment)

[0114] Next, a description of the third embodiment is given. In the above embodiments, as an example, a case was described in which a digital camera directly transmits and receives messages for specifying a priority transmission target with multiple digital cameras. In the third embodiment, an example is given in which a message indicating a priority transmission target assigned in a certain digital camera is transmitted from that digital camera to a receiving device 300, and the receiving device 300 issues instructions for the priority transmission target to other digital cameras. Note that in the digital camera according to this embodiment, although some transmission event processing differs from the transmission event processing of the first embodiment, other processing and configuration of the digital camera are the same or substantially the same as those of the digital camera in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same or substantially the same configurations and processing are indicated by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted; the differences are mainly described.

[0115] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of image transmission event processing according to the third embodiment. Note that it is similar to... Figure 7AIn this case, the system control unit 50 of the digital camera 100 loads the program stored in the non-volatile memory 56 into the system memory 52 and then executes the program to achieve the desired result. Figure 11 The various processes shown. Figure 11 Steps S700 to S702, S704 to S705, and S707 to S709 described herein are related to Figure 7A The corresponding processing shown is similar to that in the first embodiment. When steps S700, S701, S704, and S705 are performed similarly to those in the first embodiment, the system control unit 50 advances the processing to step S1100. Through these processes, the system control unit 50 receives an editing instruction from the user to change the transmission order of the images, and changes the transmission order of the images according to the editing instruction.

[0116] In step S1100, the system control unit 50 transmits a priority transmission instruction as a message to the receiving device 300 (instead of transmitting the priority transmission instruction as a message to other digital cameras 100 as described in step S705 in the first embodiment). The content of the message to be transmitted to the receiving device 300 in step S1100 (i.e., the interrupt message) is similar to the content of the message in step S706.

[0117] Next, refer to Figure 12 The receiving process of the receiving device 300 according to the third embodiment is described. Note that the receiving process is implemented by the processor of the receiving device 300 loading a program stored in the storage medium into the memory and executing the program.

[0118] In step S1200, the receiving device 300 waits for a message from the digital camera 100 indicating a priority transmission target. In step S1201, the receiving device 300 determines whether the message received in step S1200 is a message indicating a priority transmission target (interruption message). If the received message is a message indicating a priority transmission target (yes), the receiving device 300 proceeds to step S1202; if the received message is not a message indicating a priority transmission target (no), the process proceeds to step S1203.

[0119] In step S1202, the receiving device 300 transmits a priority transmission indication as a message (interruption message) to a digital camera (this digital camera is different from the digital camera used to transmit the received message). The digital camera receiving the message from the receiving device 300 is considered as digital camera 100e. There may be multiple other digital cameras 100e. The priority transmission indication message is transmitted to the digital camera 100e via communication path 301. At this time, the receiving device 300 specifies the transmission destination of the message in step S1202 based on the IP address 802 of the digital camera included in the message received in step S1200, which indicates the destination of the message used to indicate the priority transmission target.

[0120] In step S1203, the receiving device 300 (for example, in the case where it receives messages that an image has been transmitted from both the digital camera 100e and the digital camera that received the interruption message) receives each image. In step S1204, the receiving device 300 determines whether to terminate the receiving process. If it is necessary to terminate the receiving process (yes), the receiving device 300 terminates the receiving process operation; otherwise (no), the process returns to step S1200.

[0121] As described above, in the third embodiment, multiple digital cameras can be used for synchronized video recording, and each captured image from the multiple digital cameras can be transmitted to the receiving device 300. The digital cameras typically transmit images in the order they were captured, as described in the transmission list. In the third embodiment, an editing instruction (change instruction) for changing the transmission order of images is received in one of the digital cameras, and the transmission order of the images is changed according to the editing instruction. At this time, the digital camera transmits a priority transmission instruction to the other digital cameras via the receiving device 300, and the other digital cameras prioritize transmitting images captured simultaneously with the images for which the editing instruction for changing the transmission order of images was given.

[0122] As described in the above embodiments, in a digital camera, during the transmission of multiple images in a predetermined order, control is performed based on an instruction received by the operation unit to change the transmission order of the first image, so that the first image is transmitted to the receiving device with priority. Furthermore, the digital camera transmits a priority transmission instruction, enabling other digital cameras capable of communicating via a communication unit to transmit images associated with the first image to the receiving device with priority. By doing so, images captured in conjunction with images set as priority transmission targets by other camera devices can be transmitted with priority.

[0123] Note that the system control unit 50 can be configured such that the various types of control performed by it are performed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware (e.g., multiple processors and circuits) sharing the same processing, thereby controlling the entire device.

[0124] Furthermore, the application of this disclosure to digital cameras has been described as an example in the above embodiments, but some embodiments are not limited to the above examples. This disclosure can be applied to other electronic devices, as long as the other electronic devices can perform linked video recording and prioritize the transmission of captured images. That is, the above embodiments are also applicable to personal computers, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, and game consoles, etc.

[0125] Other embodiments

[0126] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads out and executes the program.

[0127] While exemplary embodiments have been described in this disclosure, it should be understood that some embodiments are not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A camera device, comprising: An operation unit configured to receive user operations; A communication unit configured to communicate with external devices; as well as A control unit, configured to control the transmission of multiple captured images to a communication device via the communication unit in a predetermined order, wherein... The control unit, based on the camera instruction received from the user by the operation unit, controls the capture of a first image, and controls other camera devices to capture a second image in conjunction with the first image. During the transmission of the plurality of images in the predetermined order, according to an instruction received by the operation unit for changing the transmission order of the first image, the control unit controls to prioritize the transmission of the first image to the communication device, and also controls to prioritize the transmission of the second image, which is captured in conjunction with the first image, to the communication device by other camera devices capable of communicating via the communication unit.

2. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit captures an image in the camera device according to the received camera instruction, and makes the captured image the target for transmission to the communication device.

3. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the camera to capture images in the camera device according to the received camera instruction, and transmits the camera instruction to the other camera devices.

4. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit transmits a priority instruction to the other camera devices, based on an instruction received from the operation unit to change the transmission order of the first image, for preferentially transmitting the second image to the communication device.

5. The camera device according to claim 4, wherein, If the priority indication is transmitted to the other camera devices, the control unit controls the transmission of the priority indication to some of the other camera devices.

6. The camera device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit controls the transmission of the plurality of images to the communication device in the predetermined order, based on a transmission list used to determine the transmission order of the captured images. The control unit changes the transmission list according to the instruction received by the operation unit for changing the transmission order of the first image, so that the first image is transmitted to the communication device with priority.

7. The camera device according to claim 6, wherein, The transmission list includes at least one of the following: image identification information, information indicating that the image was captured in conjunction with the other camera device, identification information of the camera device that captured the image in conjunction with it, release count when the image was captured, and the time when the image was captured.

8. A control method for a camera device, the camera device including an operating device configured to receive user operations and a communication device configured to communicate with an external device, the control method comprising: Control is performed to transmit multiple captured images to a communication device in a predetermined order via the communication device, wherein, In the control, based on the camera instruction received from the user by the operating device, control is performed to capture a first image, and control is also performed to cause other camera devices to capture a second image in conjunction with the first image. In the control, during the transmission of the plurality of images in the predetermined order, control is performed according to an instruction received by the operating device for changing the transmission order of the first image to prioritize the transmission of the first image to the communication device, and control is also performed such that the other camera devices capable of communicating via the communication device prioritize the transmission of the second image, which is captured in conjunction with the first image, to the communication device.

9. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that, when executed by a computer, implements the control method according to claim 8.

10. A computer program product comprising a program that, when executed by a computer, implements the control method according to claim 8.

Images